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Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life, whether it's apprehension about an exam, a job interview or even a family function. However, dome people suffer from severe anxiety or generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). This is where the feelings of unease and foreboding are much more constant, and impacts upon their daily lives.

SymptomsAnxiety will cause both physical and psychological symptoms. Common physical symptoms include dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, and excessive thirst. Typical psychological symptoms of the disorder include restlessness, impatience, irritability, and an verwhelming sense of dread. More details on the symptoms of anxiety.

Treatment The two main forms of treatment for generalised anxiety disorder are medication and psychological therapy. However, you can also greatly improve your symptoms by changing certain aspects of your lifestyle. More information on treatment for the disorder.

MedicationThe main types of medication prescribed to address anxiety or generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) are benzodiazepines, anxiolytics, antihistamines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-noradrenalinem reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Each medicine attempts to address the disorder in different ways. Your doctor or mental health specialist will determine which is the most suitable medication for your condition. More details on anxiety medication.

Causes We still don't know the exact cause of anxiety disorderd. However, experts believe it is usually due a combination of physiological imbalance, genetic makeup, life experiences, and life environment. More information on the possible causes of the condition.

AttacksAlthough they'e easy to confuse, anxiety attacks and panic attacks are quite different. An panic attack is usually an intense reaction to a specific thought or event which lasts for about ten minutes. An anxiety attack will be less intense but last for a much longer period of time, sometimes days. More details on anxiety attacks.

StressStress differs from anxiety in that it typically stems from a specific thought or event. People suffering from anxiety, on the other hand, will have a feeling of fear and foreboding, and may not know the reason why. More details on what a stress and anxiety.

Depression Depression and anxiety can be very closely linked but they are separate conditions. Nevertheless anxiety can often lead to depression, and people suffering from depression can develop anxiety disorder. More information on the differences between depression and anxiousness.

ChildrenMedical experts now believe anxiety is more prevalent in children than previously thought. There is also a consensus that many cases of anxiety disorder in adults first begins at some point in their childhood. More information on the disorder in children.

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